The Prime Minister of India, Dr Mamohan Singh, has declared the recent flooding in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka a “national calamity”.
After a visit by Dr Singh to flood-affected areas in Raichur, Karnataka, he also announced an interim relief and rehabilitation package of US$205 million (about NZ$280 million) to support flood-affected families in Karnataka state.
Earlier, World Vision India had requested US$2 million (NZ$3.3 million) for immediate and longer term assistance to about 25,000 people in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. World Vision continues to work closely with the Indian government to minimise duplication and expedite relief aid.
The total economic loss is estimated to be in excess of US$600 million (more than NZ$800 million), following the devastating flooding in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa and Orissa, and the western state of Maharashtra.
More than 20 million people have been affected by the floods, which had been described as the “worst in 100 years”.
World Vision India and other non-government organisations (NGOs) are facing tremendous challenges in the aftermath of the floods, involving the lives of hundreds of thousands of adults and children. These challenges are:
- Food shortages and price increases
- Disruption in children's education
- Increased children's health risks
- Economic implications of both drought and flooding in several Indian states
- Possible mass migration of people in search of employment
People who want to make a donation, may do so through World Vision New Zealand’s Asia-Pacific Emergency Relief Fund by going to https://www.worldvision.org.nz/Donations |
